Operations Quick Reference¶

2026-05-18

Alternate Planning Rules¶

Required when departure aerodrome weather is below landing minima — a take-off alternate must be nominated
Must be within 1 hour flying time on one engine
ATR 42: 218 nm
ATR 72: 199 nm
(FCOM Single Engine Cruise In-Flight, Cruise 1 Engine Table, Normal Conditions, ISA FL100)
Weather at take-off alternate must be at or above applicable landing minima during a period commencing 1 hour before and ending 1 hour after ETA

Weather reports or forecasts assessed for a period commencing 1 hour before and ending 1 hour after ETA
3D approaches: RVR/visibility at or above required minima
2D or circling approaches: ceiling (broken or overcast) and RVR/visibility at or above minima

A minimum of one destination alternate must be selected for all IFR flights
Two destination alternates required when:
Destination weather does not satisfy required planning minima; or
No meteorological information is available
Selection criterion: weather at or above applicable planning minima during the ±1 hour ETA window

Fuel check required prior to descent at destination
If predicted to land with less than minimum landing fuel (final reserve), declare "MINIMUM FUEL" to ATC
State fuel remaining in minutes
Confirms aircraft is committed to land
ATC must be kept fully informed thereafter

CMD shall declare emergency when predicted fuel at nearest suitable airport is less than final reserve fuel
Phraseology: "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, FUEL"

Reciprocating engines: fuel to fly for 45 minutes
Turbo-prop and turbo-jet: fuel to hold for 30 minutes at 1500 ft above aerodrome elevation in ISA, calculated with estimated landing mass on arrival at the alternate or destination (when no alternate required)

500 ft above DA/MDA/CDA — CM1 calls "500 Above"; CM2 responds "Checked"
100 ft above DA/MDA/CDA — CM1 calls "100 Above"; CM2 responds "Checked"
CM1 looks outside for visual references; CM2 continues to fly the aircraft
At DA/MDA/CDA — CM2 calls "Decide"
Adequate visual references: CM1 calls "Land"
No visual references: CM1 calls "Go-Around"
If "Land" called: CM1 disconnects autopilot, calls "Disconnecting Autopilot, Yaw Damper Off", lands manually
Touchdown must occur in the designated Touch Down Zone (TDZ)

Applies when visibility is less than 400 m — CM1 performs the take-off
Minimum RVR for take-off: 125 m in all 3 zones
On completion of before take-off checklist, cross-check RVR with runway lights
Requirement: 90 m visual segment from flight deck = 7 centreline lights at 15 m spacing

CAT B approaches are prohibited for circling
Circling approaches conducted using CAT C minima and speeds
Provides additional speed margins and stall margins (especially where residual airframe icing may not be recognised)
CAT C maximum speed: 180 kt for circling within 4.20 nm of the runway

Standard: YD disconnected at a minimum of 160 ft AAL using YD push button on AFCS control panel
Reduced height: 80 ft AAL — after autopilot disconnection on a CAT II approach

Lists all equipment, systems, and installations that must be serviceable before flight
Indicates items that may be unserviceable and any associated limitations
Gives the commander authority to operate with specified items unserviceable
Commander retains absolute discretion — not obliged to operate with a defect if in their opinion it adversely affects safety
MEL must account for area of operation and whether despatching from base or outstation

Allows operation with specific items of equipment missing (as distinct from unserviceable items under MEL)
Applicable items include undercarriage doors, aerodynamic fairings, panels, etc.
CDL states any fuel or performance penalties applicable
CDLs are contained in Part B (Type Specific) or the Approved Flight Manual

Configuration: Flaps 35 (30)° set, CLs 100%
Aircraft must be in landing configuration prior to commencing the descent
Steep Approach push button should be armed just after TOD when power is below a PL angle of 49 degrees